― 14 октября 2025 г.
Meaningful gift from Aktau to TURKSOY: ‘Kazakh yurt tent’ unveiled in Ankara
Following the visit it paid to the Governor of Ankara yesterday, a high-level delegation from Aktau, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World offered a traditional 7-winged Kazakh yurt tent to TURKSOY in a ceremony held in TURKSOY Headquarters today.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of the Province of Mangystau Mr. Tilegen Abishev, the Mayor of Aktau Mr. Abilkair Baipakov, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye in charge of Central Asian Relations and the Director General of the Organisation of Turkic States Ambassador Togan Oral, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ankara H. E. Mr. Yerkebulan Sapiyev, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Dr. Serdar Çam, the Deputy Chairman of the AK Party Prof. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu and the Governor of Ankara Vasip Şahin, as well as many other guests.
‘Aktau has successfully born the title of Cultural Capital’
In his opening speech, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev referred to events held in Aktau which welcomed hundreds of thousands of people throughout 2025 saying, "Aktau has successfully born the title of Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, becoming the pearl of the Caspian Sea and the cultural meeting point of the Turkic World. This yurt tent, presented as a symbol of this meaningful year, will be one of the most ancient symbols of our unity and solidarity.‘
Abishev: The yurt tent is an integral part of our spiritual culture’
Mr. Tilegen Abishev, the Deputy Governor of Mangystau Province who also took the floor at the ceremony said: ‘This yurt is the living space of our ancestors and an integral part of our spiritual culture. This gift to TURKSOY and our Turkic brothers is a testimony of our eternal brotherhood and common culture.’
Baipakov: ‘We were delighted to host you’
In the speech he delivered at the ceremony, the Mayor of Aktau Mr. Abilkair Baipakov said: "With the pride and responsibility to be the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, we were delighted to host events held in our city throughout the year. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all our brothers and sisters as well as our distinguished guests who did not leave us alone during this process and came to Aktau to share this cultural feast with us.”
Oral: ’TURKSOY is a powerful tool of our cultural diplomacy"
In his speech, Ambassador Togan Oral, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye in charge of Central Asian Relations and Director General the Organisation of Turkic States, stated that Aktau is the perfect embodiment of the vision of being the meeting point between East and West in the Turkic World and added: "The declaration of Aktau as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World is the concrete manifestation of our determination to bring cultural interaction to every corner of the Turkic World. TURKSOY has not only reflected our culture and arts, but has also built a lasting bridge of cultural diplomacy between our countries. Events of TURKSOY do not only bring together our artists, authors and intellectuals but also foster a common consciousness and sense of belonging among our peoples."
Sapiyev: ‘The yurt tent is a symbol of our deep bonds’
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Ankara H. E. Mr. Yerkebulan Sapiyev also emphasised that the traditional yurt tent is a symbol of the deep bonds between Turkic peoples and said: ‘This yurt tent is not just a shelter, but a symbol of the deep bonds of brotherhood and unity among all Turkic peoples.’
Çam: ‘We will walk together into the future’
The Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Dr. Serdar Çam who also took the floor at the ceremony expressed his gratitude to TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev and his staff for having organized this meaningful gathering and said: "This yurt is much more than just a gift; it reminds us of all the beauties of the Turkic World, the warmth of family and home. I was present at the opening ceremony in Aktau and witnessed that magnificent enthusiasm. I believe that the closing ceremony will be just as enthusiastic and that this process will bring the Turkic World even closer together."
Zorlu: ‘We are taking historic steps for the Turkic World’
In his speech, the Deputy Chairman of the AK Party and Head of Relations with Turkic States Prof. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu stated that they have been carrying out important work within the presidency they established approximately seven months ago upon instruction of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Deputy Chairman Zorlu further said, ‘The declaration of Nowruz as a common celebration of the Turkic World upon suggestion of our President, and the new regulations enabling our Turkic-speaking brothers and sisters to practise their professions in Türkiye are historic steps. Eight Turkic states are now acting together under the auspices of one organisation.’
Şahin: ‘A symbol of our determination to live under the same roof’
The Governor of Ankara Mr. Vasip Şahin concluded his speech saying: ‘This yurt is the most beautiful symbol of our determination to live under the same roof and of our unity which date back to thousands of years. We hereby express our gratitude to our Kazakh brothers for this meaningful gift.’
Following the official speeches, the Kazakh Yurt Tent was officially opened with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony which ended with a group photograph being taken infront of it as a meaningful gift symbolising brotherhood in the Turkic World.
